Open
If @thechicks are in town you can bet @debbiefaye78 and I will be there! So when we heard they were coming to @merriweatherpp we were so excited. And their concert did not disappoint. As always, a phenomenal show! If The Chicks come to your neck of the woods I highly recommend you go!

Okay I know you want to know about what we’re wearing! 

My sister’s caftan is from @anthropologie (bought this summer so maybe you can find on resale sites).

I’m wearing a @bananarepublic dress also from this summer with the @universalstandard denim chore jacket and a hat I got from a @madewell collab a year or so ago. I glammed it up with some gold chains and gold drop earrings, but kept it comfy for a night of standing and dancing with @birkenstock sandals.

This was my first big outing since my eye surgery, and with a pocketful of eye drops I felt good (and grateful we splurged for good seats!).

Follow my shop @wardrobe_oxygen on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!
https://liketk.it/4jcBL #ltkmidsize #ltkover40 #midsizestyle #genxstyle #usinthewild #concertstyle
Open
For years I’ve trusted @somaintimates for the right bras and the right fit but it had been a while since I visited a Soma boutique to try on all the styles they currently have for a large bust. I must say I was impressed! Knowledgeable staff, extensive collection in larger sizes, and some of the most comfortable and innovative bras in up to H cups! Each body is different but what I loved:

- The Stunning Push-Up: targeted for the DD+ customer gives amazing lift and great shape under fitted knits.

- The Unbelievable Lift Scoop Balconette: sexy, supportive, and so lightweight!

- The Embraceable Wireless: I’ve recommended this wireless bra for large busts for years and was in need for a new one! 

- The Stunning Support Smooth Balconette: this is the perfect t-shirt bra for large busts with padded straps and disappears under knits

- The Stunning Starlet Multi-Way Strapless: recently improved for more support and more comfort, this wireless bra stays put and gives fab shape

I also picked up some of Soma’s iconic Vanishing Edge panties which keep you line-free. The whole Vanishing collection is genius. I loved being able to donate my gently used bras at my local Soma boutique to give to those in need. We all deserve a lift and Soma strives to achieve that. It’s why I’ve been a fan and customer for years and am honored to partner with them. Soma is the perfect fitting bra solution. Visit the link in my bio to shop and to find your local Soma boutique! #SomaPartner #SomaBraFit #SomaStartsWithMe
Open
If I close my eyes you can’t tell one is still bloodshot 😜

Still recovering from my eye surgery but feeling more myself. Getting dolled up helps me feel me. Bright colors and bold jewelry have been signature Alison since I was a kid! 

Sweater: @favorite.daughter 
Earrings: Amazon
Necklace: @_jennybird (old)
Ring: @realmfinejewelry 
Bra: @lovebravissimo 
Lipstick: @glossier 
Pins as “cufflinks”: vintage

Follow my shop @wardrobe_oxygen on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!
https://liketk.it/4j0LM #ltkmidsize #midsizestyle #over40style #ltkover40 #genxstyle
Open
It was so funny and so quick I couldn’t not share! I bought this @hulkenbag a year ago and use it all the time. Carting shoot supplies, groceries, packing for road trips, and carting donations. This weekend @thenewdealcafe in @cityofgreenbelt hosted a community clothing swap so I made sure my family and I went through our summer wardrobes to gather that which we no longer needed or fit.

This wasn’t the first clothing swap and folks in town know my style (and my job) so there were some waiting for my arrival. Look how fast I cleared out this big bag! Speaking of the bag one other swap attendee said she got herself a Hulken after seeing mine in action!

It’s so great to know our old clothes are getting a good life and this bag makes carting them to the cafe so easy! I got my Hulken on Amazon, it comes in other colors and sizes too: https://amzn.to/48iTY4Y yep the bag is as great as all those ads you see on social media, I’m a big fan!
Open
I had to see… I asked my husband how often he thinks about the Roman Empire, and then asked our 14-year-old 😂
Open
#ad Go through my archives on Wardrobe Oxygen and one thing is clear: my family and I are a fan of @bombas socks! From their no-slip no-show socks to their iconic crew socks, Bombas makes great socks for the whole family while having a great heart.

Socks are the #1 requested article of clothing from homeless shelters. For every item purchase from Bombas, one is donated to someone experiencing homelessness. 

Save 20% on your first purchase at Bombas with my exclusive promo code: WARDROBE20

Follow my shop @wardrobe_oxygen on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!
https://liketk.it/4ipHy #bombas
Open
Happy gotcha day, Oscar! Four years ago he came into our life and we are so happy to have in our family!

Oscar was a rescue and came with some… quirks. Over the years we have come to understand him and he has come to trust us. He’s a diva, a snuggler, he could play catch for hours, and he’s my husband’s shadow. 

We’ve never had a small breed dog before and it’s a whole different experience. But we adore Oscar and couldn’t imagine our life without him! Thank you for coming into our life Oskie McGoskie! 🐾❤️
Open
I can see clearly now…

Actually I can’t, but things after my retina surgery are much improved! My next appointment is in a month and I’m cleared to get back into the world (with some restrictions to protect my eye).

With a sclera buckle, it changes your eye shape and now I am nearsighted again (I had lasik a few years ago). Once the eye is stabilized I can get glasses or contacts but until then I’m 20/20 in one eye and right now 20/60 in the other. But the eye is healing beautifully and I feel positive!

And I could see clearly enough to fall for this poppy-colored cotton jumpsuit from @pistoladenim. It comes in a few colors but this one is my favorite. I went with XL (im@a 14, sometimes 16) and likely could have sized down but I enjoy the relaxed fit and the drawstring waistband to create shape. And hello zipper closure making it super easy to get on and off!

My husband took this photo right after my eye appointment, I think it reflects my positive attitude and feeling of hope! 🧡

Follow my shop @wardrobe_oxygen on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!
https://liketk.it/4idXm
Open
#throwbackthursday to what I wore 10 years ago in September…

A decade ago I was working full time in an office and was promoted to manage a good portion of my department. My blog was doing quite well, I was featured in local and national publications and websites. I was embracing what I felt to be a polished professional with an edgy vibe. Less color, more interesting accessories, and my first semi-designer bag (I still have that leopard print mini M.A.C. In the back of my closet). 

I have come to embrace color and have way less black in my closet now, but a lot of these looks are timeless and I would wear now… just likely with lower heels! 😂

Do you recall what you were wearing a decade ago? How similar is it to how you dress now?

For more of my throwbacks visit #wo2tbt
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Fashion Advice, Plus Size Fashion · September 3, 2019

Plus-Size Fashion for Grown Women Survey

This article may contain affiliate links; if you click on a shopping link and make a purchase I may receive a commission. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. 

Facebook Posts

Recently Glamour did a whole series of content about plus-size fashion and it is FANTASTIC.  Part of this series was the introduction of the Glamour Plus Size Fashion Awards.  This is the first year, and I am thrilled this will be an annual event, similar to the awards that magazines like Allure and Real Simple give to products that stand out for their awesomeness.  Glamour invited several plus-size influencers of varying sizes and personal styles to vote on the best clothing – best bras, t-shirts, jeans, and more. The list includes many items and brands I agree with – ELOQUII makes amazing plus-size moto jackets, Old Navy rocks plus size leggings, Bandlettes are awesome for preventing thigh chafing, and we all know I dig Universal Standard jeans.  However, I looked at the list and everything felt a bit… young.  There's nothing wrong with young, Glamour is a magazine catered to younger Millenials. But what about us grown women? Those of us over 35, and maybe over 65? We have different fashion needs and different economic means.

So I decided to create a survey to gather from you what you find to be the best plus-size fashion for grown women.  Where you find workwear, loungewear, activewear, footwear, and more.  I encourage you to answer any questions that are relevant to you, and encourage friends and families to fill out the survey too!  I will be sharing the results in a few weeks and the information gathered will help tailor the plus size content I offer on Wardrobe Oxygen.

Click Here to Access the Survey

This survey is completely anonymous and no personal data is collected by me. If a question isn't relevant to you, go ahead and skip it, answering with “no” or “n/a” counts as an entry. Please enter only one brand or retailer per question; if you have a runner-up favorite there is a field at the end of each section where you can add that or any comments on fit, styles, and such.

While the majority of this survey and my audience is focused on the United States, I encourage plus-size readers from other countries to also complete the survey.  I know I've been willing to pay to ship shoes and bras that fit here from other countries, and I have seen companies adjust their shipping policies to be more international-friendly once they've reached some success.  Your local favorite may end up being an international hit thanks to your mention!

plus size fashion for grown women survey 1

If you have any questions about the survey, feel free to ask a question below!  And stay tuned for the results!

plus size fashion for grown wqomen
Shop New Arrivals of Plus Size Fashion:
Top Row: one | two | three | four
Bottom Row: one | two | three | four

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In: Fashion Advice, Plus Size Fashion

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Comments

  1. Bélinda says

    June 17, 2023 at 9:55 am

    Hi Alison,
    Thanks for the very insightful content!
    Could it be possible to have an access to the survey? The link seems to not be working anymore.
    Thanks a lot and have a great day
    Bélinda

    Reply
  2. 'vi' says

    September 12, 2019 at 11:26 am

    the other thing ( i forgot to include in the survey) is the lack of pieces that are actually DESIGNED for plus sized bodies, things that flatter us (and there ARE things that need the fuller body to really come alive).
    there is money to be made in good plus sized fashion, if only designers would think in terms of curves and rounded female softness-
    that being said, i’m an artist, and i need to look business like in some settings- dealing with galleries, and at award ceremonies…. i couldn’t find anything that would work for an award ceremony, and sequins was definitely not appropriate

    Reply
  3. Cindy Hinton says

    September 10, 2019 at 2:04 pm

    I am not plus size so am not filling out the survey, but I was just reminded of something that happened to a friend of mine pertaining to plus size clothing: a friend’s wife got a promotion at work and my friend wanted to treat her wife to a personal shopping session at Nordstrom to upgrade her work wardrobe. She filled out the online information, but got a call from a Nordstrom stylist that they did not have much in her size and it wouldn’t be a useful session. She was mad and her wife felt humiliated.

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      September 12, 2019 at 9:03 am

      How horrible! Sadly I am not surprised as Nordstrom has a decent plus range online but a lot of their stores are severely lacking.

      Reply
  4. Kaffesoester says

    September 6, 2019 at 9:22 am

    Thank you so much for taking the time to do this survey! I imagine it’s quite a job? Anyway, the questions forced me to face some the trouble with clothes shopping for plus size, that I often try to ignore. The fact that I would probably buy half the Zara store if the items came in my size is just annoying! Why are they cutting me and my money off? It hurts to be excluded.

    This leads to the next issue: I have so much rubbish among my clothes just because it was the only alternative. Fit is always a major issue. In Europe we don’t get petite sizes over US size 16. Not that I’m petite, but I have an extremely short torso, so petite upper-wear would be helpful.

    Also, finding plus size t-shirts with a defined waist is almost impossible, but a basic element in most wardrobes. Why?

    Shoes? With ultra extreme jumbo sturdy feet I need what another stylist called “hearing aide for the feet” – makes it hard to feel stylish 🙁 My solution is to by cheap clothes and burn my budget on bespoke shoes made in Italy)

    There’s also too much polyester in plus size fashion, and too little silk!

    Will you contact Glamour with the results? It would be nice to hear their response to “what older women want” 🙂

    Reply
  5. Nihongo Dame Desu says

    September 4, 2019 at 9:54 pm

    I didn’t think of this until after I filled out the survey, but I also hate plus sizing. I don’t know the difference between a 14 and a 14W. I’d love to see at least a basic explanation. I do ALL my shopping online and anything “W” confuses me enough that I just skip it. What does that mean? Cut the same in the waist but bigger in chest and hips? The opposite? Something else?

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      September 5, 2019 at 2:23 pm

      It is confusing! W stands for women, or plus size and it is shaped differently. While most size 14 regulars are based upon a size 6 model and graded up, W clothing is based on a plus size model, usually a size 20, and graded up or down to that. You will find W clothing on a size chart to be larger, with more allowance in the bust, hips, and thighs. Most retailers will have the size chart either linkable right on the item page or at the bottom of every page in the fine print with FAQ and return policies. Just with straight sizes, plus sizes aren’t consistent and a size chart is your best friend in finding which size will fit you best!

      Reply
      • Chris says

        September 9, 2019 at 5:47 pm

        Using a size 6 fit model and sizing up doesn’t work. It’s not a straight line graph.

        Reply
        • Alison Gary says

          September 12, 2019 at 9:11 am

          Agree!

          Reply
  6. Katha // kathastrophal.de says

    September 4, 2019 at 1:27 am

    This is a wonderful idea, thank you so much for creating the survey!

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      September 4, 2019 at 9:51 am

      My pleasure!

      Reply

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Weekend Reads #68

Since 2005, Wardrobe Oxygen has offered real-life style advice for grown-ass women. With years of experience as an apparel visual merchandiser and personal shopper, Alison Gary provides advice on how to achieve personal style no matter your age, size, or budget.

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Sep 21

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If @thechicks are in town you can bet @debbiefaye78 and I will be there! So when we heard they were coming to @merriweatherpp we were so excited. And their concert did not disappoint. As always, a phenomenal show! If The Chicks come to your neck of the woods I highly recommend you go!

Okay I know you want to know about what we’re wearing! 

My sister’s caftan is from @anthropologie (bought this summer so maybe you can find on resale sites).

I’m wearing a @bananarepublic dress also from this summer with the @universalstandard denim chore jacket and a hat I got from a @madewell collab a year or so ago. I glammed it up with some gold chains and gold drop earrings, but kept it comfy for a night of standing and dancing with @birkenstock sandals.

This was my first big outing since my eye surgery, and with a pocketful of eye drops I felt good (and grateful we splurged for good seats!).

Follow my shop @wardrobe_oxygen on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!
https://liketk.it/4jcBL #ltkmidsize #ltkover40 #midsizestyle #genxstyle #usinthewild #concertstyle

wardrobe_oxygen

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Sep 19

Open
If I close my eyes you can’t tell one is still bloodshot 😜

Still recovering from my eye surgery but feeling more myself. Getting dolled up helps me feel me. Bright colors and bold jewelry have been signature Alison since I was a kid! 

Sweater: @favorite.daughter 
Earrings: Amazon
Necklace: @_jennybird (old)
Ring: @realmfinejewelry 
Bra: @lovebravissimo 
Lipstick: @glossier 
Pins as “cufflinks”: vintage

Follow my shop @wardrobe_oxygen on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!
https://liketk.it/4j0LM #ltkmidsize #midsizestyle #over40style #ltkover40 #genxstyle

wardrobe_oxygen

View

Sep 11

Open
Happy gotcha day, Oscar! Four years ago he came into our life and we are so happy to have in our family!

Oscar was a rescue and came with some… quirks. Over the years we have come to understand him and he has come to trust us. He’s a diva, a snuggler, he could play catch for hours, and he’s my husband’s shadow. 

We’ve never had a small breed dog before and it’s a whole different experience. But we adore Oscar and couldn’t imagine our life without him! Thank you for coming into our life Oskie McGoskie! 🐾❤️

wardrobe_oxygen

View

Sep 8

Open
I can see clearly now…

Actually I can’t, but things after my retina surgery are much improved! My next appointment is in a month and I’m cleared to get back into the world (with some restrictions to protect my eye).

With a sclera buckle, it changes your eye shape and now I am nearsighted again (I had lasik a few years ago). Once the eye is stabilized I can get glasses or contacts but until then I’m 20/20 in one eye and right now 20/60 in the other. But the eye is healing beautifully and I feel positive!

And I could see clearly enough to fall for this poppy-colored cotton jumpsuit from @pistoladenim. It comes in a few colors but this one is my favorite. I went with XL (im@a 14, sometimes 16) and likely could have sized down but I enjoy the relaxed fit and the drawstring waistband to create shape. And hello zipper closure making it super easy to get on and off!

My husband took this photo right after my eye appointment, I think it reflects my positive attitude and feeling of hope! 🧡

Follow my shop @wardrobe_oxygen on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!
https://liketk.it/4idXm

wardrobe_oxygen

View

Sep 5

Open
I’ll be a bit quiet on here and other channels because I had eye (retinal) surgery this past weekend. I was having what I thought were ocular migraines but come to find out I was experiencing lattice degeneration, which is thinning/holes in the retina. I had surgery Saturday for my right eye and later on they’ll work on the left eye, which isn’t as bad and can be remedied by laser, in office.

I share not because I’m Mrs. Frizzle meets Iris Apfel as I recuperate at home, but because this whole thing has been a lesson on trusting my gut. And I want to remind you to do the same.

As we get older our bodies can feel like strangers. Things are constantly changing and it’s easy to just assume your annual physical will catch anything wrong. But if you slow down and listen to your body you’ll know when things are just a sign of aging and life and what seems unusual. That nagging issue may be something more serious.

And if you’re seeing flashing lights, floaters, spiderwebs or other odd eye things get checked out ASAP. It may be nothing but take it from me, it may actually be something. ❤️

Okay, going back to my big sunglasses caftan recuperation life!

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Aug 30

Open
Ladies who lunch…

While in Savannah, I made sure to get lunch reservations for me and E at @theoldepinkhouse she loves the color pink, historic homes, and ghost stories so it was a perfect choice! 

Built in 1789 on Reynolds Square, there are stories of guests seeing ghosts, cutlery and wine bottles moving along with an elegant and truly delicious dining. 

While we didn’t see any apparitions, we did have a lovely lunch with impeccable service and after toured all floors of the home. I highly recommend a visit if you’re visiting Savannah!

My dress is from @cosstores (no longer available); hat is @furtalk and bag is @talbotsofficial (no longer available).

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Aug 29

Open
Scenes from a week in Savannah… 

The three of us (and our dog Oscar!) had a warm and humid but wonderful time exploring Savannah, Georgia earlier this month. Our daughter visited this gorgeous city last summer with her @girlscouts troop but wanted to return to experience more. We let her choose our adventures and play your guide and it was awesome. We cannot wait to visit again, though next time it won’t be August 🥵

For more of our trip check the “Savannah” highlight on my profile page!

wardrobe_oxygen

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Aug 28

Open
Stripes are always right…

Y’all know I love stripes and when @universalstandard came out with their Breton-stripe dresses and tops I HAD to try them! As expected, the quality is stellar, the fit boosts my confidence, and I appreciate the range of colors (5 different stripes to choose from) and sizes (00-50). For reference, I’m wearing XS but preferred S for the top and I usually wear a 14 or XL in other brands.

The tote is @able and it’s a soft yet durable leather that just looks better with time. This color (cognac) is one that transitions nicely from summer to fall. 

Follow my shop @wardrobe_oxygen on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!
https://liketk.it/4hkEF 

#usinthewild #bretonstripes #midsizestyle #midsizefashion #size14 #over40style

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Aug 27

Open
The family that wears @printfresh together stays together 🥰

Use code wardrobe_oxygen for 15% off your order of size-inclusive organic cotton sleepwear, dresses, bags & more https://glnk.io/qk04/wardrobe-oxygen

I’ve been raving about my Printfresh pajamas for years, my family also wanted to try them. Thank you Printfresh for gifting these for our annual three generation girls’ getaway to Rehoboth Beach, DE. We had a great time and being all matchy matchy in our pajamas was a fun addition! 🐅🍃🥰

#printfresh #printfreshpajamas #printfreshpartner

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Aug 12

Open
Shuts laptop until Monday… #RehobothBeach

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